Baltimore Restaurant Week is winding down but the culinary scene remains busy this week, with pop-ups, anniversary parties, and new ventures. Here’s a look at what’s happening: Openings announcements Congratulations to Thames Street Oyster House, which celebrated 15 years in business last week.  The Café Dear Leon team has exciting plans in the works. They are now hiring for a new pizza venture, Flour Wood. Heritage Smokehouse fans can breathe a sigh of relief. While Heritage’s Govans location is still slated to close after business on Saturday, Aug. 8, owner George Marsh has new plans in the works: a partnership with John Brown General and a new location that will open in Jacksonville in September. Restaurant weeks There’s still a little time to take advantage of Restaurant Week deals. Baltimore City’s promotion lasts through Aug. 2 and Howard County’s lasts through Aug. 9. Plus, some restaurants are extending their Restaurant Week offerings a week or two beyond the official dates. Guinness celebrates 8 Guinness Baltimore has officially been part of the community for eight years this weekend! From July 31 through Aug. 2, the brewery is celebrating with an 80’s themed weekend, including arcade games, music, old school food (think nachos, mozzarella sticks, and pizza by the slice), and the release of four new beers for the occasion.  BSC Christmas in July It’s Christmas in July at Baltimore Spirits Co. on Friday, July 31. Head to BSC for a fun themed party featuring tropical cocktails and food – all with a holiday vibe. Cookhouse x Vision House On Monday, the Cookhouse crew is heading to Vision House for a pop-up cocktail experience, including both old favorites and new concoctions. Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week Maryland Vegan Restaurant week is back – for the 19th installment – starting on Aug. 7. From then through Aug. 16, local restaurants will showcase vegan dishes and offer fun plant-based specials. Tons of local spots are participating, including perennial favorites like Golden West Café, Miss Shirley’s, The Land of Kush, Harmony Bakery, THB, and Nepenthe Brewing Co. The event kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 6 with a launch party at LB Skybar at The Lord Baltimore Hotel.   Keen on peaches Peach season has arrived in Baltimore, which means sweet and sticky options are starting to pop up on local menus. At Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, peaches show up in hot sauce and in a seasonal twist on the mint julep.  Gunther Co.’s Millions of Peaches cocktail mixes vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer with house-made peach-lemongrass sorbet. Planning for the future Mark your calendars for: August 14: Chefs of Little Italy Wine Dinner August 29: Ekiben Night Market October 21: Chef Carlos Raba at Boordy Vineyards ...read more read less